Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Monasticism (8) Anthony of the Caves (983-1073)

Born at Liubech, near Kiev, Russia he is considered the father of Russian monasticism. As a youth Anthony possessed a fear of God and dressed in monastic attire. He journey to the Greek monastic community at Mount Athos, where he lived as a hermit.

The
abbot gave Anthony the job of expanding monasticism in his native land,
which had only recently begun its conversion to Christianity. Anthony returned to Kiev, and was ordered by local princes to found several monasteries based on the Greek model.

At the death of Vladimir I of Kiev, Anthony was forced to
return to Mount Athos by a fratricidal war for the throne between Vladimir's sons.

Being deeply influenced by the lives of the desert fathers he eventually returned to Russia and sought out solitude in a cave near the village of Berestovo, (Kiev). He became known for his humility and virtuous character.

People began to come to him for his blessing and
counsel. The fame of a holy man living quietly outside of the city spread throughout the region, inspiring many embrace the monastic life. With new people joining the monastery, new caves had
to be dug. A church and cells for the monks were built underground. A strict monastic rule was introduced.

Anthony rejected being called a priest and never took any church rank. He never
lead the new community of monks but simply guided them by his example of faith and
wisdom. .

As the community became larger, Anthony appointed an abbot and withdrew to another place to dig a new cave
where he secluded himself. Eventually monks began to settle around
his new cave. This was the inception of the Near and Far Caves Monasteries. In time small wooden church, was built over the Far Caves.

He again withdrew for more solitude, eventually returning to the community to die among his beloved brethren.

He is venerated as a Holy Father (a person whose example is worthy of following) in the Eastern Orthodox Church.